MWE Correspondent
Trade between Tanzania and Türkiye reached $284 million last year, highlighting both a trade imbalance and growing economic cooperation between the two nations.
The figures were shared in Dar es Salaam during the Türkiye–Tanzania Steel Trade Delegation, a high-level business forum that brought together exporters, policymakers, and industrial leaders from both sides. The meeting was part of wider efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and expand opportunities in manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure development.
According to the report, Türkiye’s exports to Tanzania accounted for $217 million of the total figure, underscoring a significant gap in trade flows. However, officials stressed that the imbalance also reflects Tanzania’s rising demand for industrial goods—particularly steel—at a time when the country is investing heavily in major projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, energy plants, and housing development.
Representatives from Türkiye’s steel industry revealed that in 2024 alone, around 40,000 tonnes of steel were shipped to Tanzania. By July this year, more than 19,000 tonnes had already been delivered, a sign that the trade relationship is not only steady but expanding.
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Tanzanian officials described the forum as a gateway for greater collaboration, noting that the country’s stable economic growth—averaging above 5% annually—makes it an attractive hub for foreign investment. They emphasized that deeper partnerships with Türkiye could support local value-addition, technology transfer, and job creation in sectors ranging from construction to manufacturing.
Beyond steel, both governments are eyeing opportunities to diversify trade into agriculture, textiles, and mining. Analysts argue that such moves are essential if Tanzania is to narrow its trade deficit and raise exports to Türkiye.
Diplomats also reminded delegates that the two countries have set an ambitious target: expanding bilateral trade to $1 billion in the coming years. Achieving this goal, they said, will require not only larger volumes of steel and manufactured goods but also a broader exchange of products and investment in joint ventures.
The Dar es Salaam forum concluded with business-to-business discussions, where Tanzanian entrepreneurs and Turkish firms explored dealership, distributorship, and joint production models. Participants described the event as a practical step toward turning political goodwill into tangible economic partnerships.
